Thursday, August 28, 2025

The 30th Annual Buckmasters Expo: Presented by Mountain Dew, Our Best Year Yet

The 30th Annual Buckmasters Expo, presented by Mountain Dew, was held in Montgomery, Ala., from August 15–17, 2025, and proved to be the best year yet. More than 25,000 attendees packed into downtown Montgomery over the three-day celebration of hunting, family fun, and giving back.

Family Fun Front and Center

This year marked the return of the well-loved Young Bucks Ballroom, where kids and families enjoyed free activities including balloon art, arts and crafts, face painting, and even the chance to hold birds of prey such as falcons. A mechanical bull ride — perfectly in step with the Expo’s theme, “Not Our First Rodeo” — had kids and adults alike testing their cowboy skills. Buckmasters mascots Bucky and Droptine delighted crowds all weekend long with hugs and photo ops.

Special Guests & Team Appearances

The Expo hosted Buckmasters Founder Jackie Bushman, Aly from Alabama, and Georgia’s own Macy Watkins, alongside several members of Buckmasters’ On the Road Team including Tim Van Doren AKA the “Bama Grill Master,” Glorianne and Ryan Boyd, Garrett Heikes, Marina Childress, Allison Voges, and Aubrey Schreiber.

High-Energy Bulls & Buckmasters

Once again, the Bulls & Buckmasters rodeo delivered one of the weekend’s most thrilling highlights, drawing professional bull riders from across the country to test their grit and skill. This high-energy event brought the rodeo theme to life in true Buckmasters style. The rodeo atmosphere was made possible thanks to generous partners including Jim Beam, the U.S. Army, 6666 Grit & Glory, SIG Sauer, Safari Club International (SCI), Servis 1st, Big Dreams Outdoors, Wind Creek Casino, Legendary Whitetails, Easton, Alabama Power, and United Rentals.

Making a Difference

Admission to the Expo was just a can of food or a $1 donation, with proceeds benefiting Friendship Mission and The Salvation Army. This year’s effort raised $11,000 in cash and collected 9,770 pounds of food, enough to provide 130,000 meals to people in need across Alabama — an exciting increase from the 2024 Buckmasters Expo.

Exhibitor & Community Success

Vendors — many who return year after year — reported one of their most successful shows ever, with several selling out of product before the Expo closed on Sunday. The Expo featured hundreds of exhibitor booths showcasing the latest in hunting gear, outdoor products, and food, further cementing its reputation as the premier destination for whitetail enthusiasts and families alike.

Gratitude & Support

“The 30th Expo was truly our best yet, and we’re grateful to everyone who helped make it possible,” said Buckmasters Founder Jackie Bushman. “From our presenting sponsor Mountain Dew to our key partners — the U.S. Army, Alabama Power, and Riverside Chevrolet — and the incredible vendors, riders, families, and fans, this event showed once again what makes the Buckmasters community so special.”

This year’s Buckmasters Expo is made possible by generous sponsors including The US Army, Alabama Power, Wind Creek Casino & Hotel-Montgomery, Riverside Chevrolet, Capitol Tractor, Servis 1st Bank, Baptist Health, Tractor & Equipment Co., and AG Credit. Special thanks to the City of Montgomery, the Montgomery City Council, the Montgomery County Commission, and the Montgomery Chamber of Commerce for their continued support.

Looking Ahead
The 31st Annual Buckmasters Expo is scheduled for August 14–16, 2026, in Montgomery, Ala. Exhibitors interested in participating can contact ShelLee Swain at 334-387-2635 or sswain@buckmasters.com.